cover image Oh No, Monster Tomato!

Oh No, Monster Tomato!

Jim Helmore, illus. by Karen Wall. Egmont UK (IPG/Trafalgar Square, dist.), $8.99 paper (32p) ISBN 978-1-4052-4741-2

In this British story with elements of Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella, Marvin wants to grow the tastiest tomatoes for the annual "Great Grislygust Grow-off," but his siblings belittle his efforts. Undeterred, Marvin studies hard, but it takes a special song ("Grow, grow, grow, Monster Tomato!") to make the vine burst out of the ground in a giant vertical foldout. Wall enhances her raucous scenes with photo and digital collage elements, as the rogue tomato plant wreaks juicy havoc, splattering his prudish brother and sister, before Marvin returns it to its natural size. The messy brand of humor (and a foldout surprise ending) should satisfy readers. Ages 3%E2%80%937. (Apr.)